Search KidSpot

Sniffles, coughs and colds

Children often have 6 colds per year. Colds, and most coughs, are caused by viruses (not bacteria), so antibiotics won't help. If the cough is bad, and persists, your child may have a chest infection caused by bacteria - and this will need antibiotics.

Signs of infection

Children cough to get rid of the mucous from their chest, or when it runs from their nose down the back of their throat. For this reason, you don't want to stop the cough completely, but you can help ease the child's distress by soothing it.

Croup

Croup occurs when the back of the throat swells, making breathing difficult. It may accompany a cold.

Signs of croup include:

Hoarse dry coughing

Noisy breathing on he intake of breath

If the symptoms are severe or your child is distressed, consult your doctor or hospital.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is common in babies because they have smaller airways. It starts like a cold, then the cough becomes worse, and a wheeze is heard when the baby breathes out. Babies may have difficulty with breathing and feeding. This should improve over 2 - 3 days, although the cough may last for several weeks.

When to see a doctor:

If your baby is having breathing difficulties.

Taking less than half the normal feeds.

If the sore throat does not get any better or is worse after 2 days.

If your child is not drinking much for more than 24 hours.

If your child cannot swallow their own saliva and is dribbling

Management at home

Plenty of rest and fluids.

Paracetamol if you need to ease the discomfort.

Nasal drops or spray from the chemist to help clear the stuffy nose and make it more comfortable to breathe, sleep, and eat.

Elevate the head of the cot or bed 30° by putting a couple of towels under the mattress or books under the legs of the bed.

Menthol may help breathing: either a menthol ointment or capsule squeezed onto the bedding or clothing (not onto the child's skin).

Find out more about babies and the common cold:

This article was created from the Children's Panadol First Five Booklet.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Panadol is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.

Last revised: Monday, 1 February 2010

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.